Fun {Etsy} Finds: Paper cut art by Jessica Alpern

A picture can say a thousand words.

This paper cutout "Evening Twilight" tells me a thousand comforting, intimate, and loving words.

"Evening Twilight" by Jessica Alpern, Etsy, $20

{Art Review}/Etsy Find: Cate Parr/Silver Ridge Studio Fashion Watercolor paintings and prints

I've always had a deep appreciation of artists and their ability to design a visual story. My mother also has this innate gift for creating beautiful illustrations of nature scenes and animals - unfortunately that ability got lost somewhere (err, maybe next generation especially since my husband's father was a great artist too?)

I've appreciated art even more while attempting to decorate our home here.  I discovered Cate Parr (Etsy shop: Silver Ridge Studio) when I saw one of her watercolor paintings featured in a Lonny gift guide.  I was smitten with her surreal and colorful watercolor work and ordered a few original paintings; her collection features high fashion figures, homages to classic magazine covers, and whimsical scenes of luxury and life.  As Cate says "Fashion is all around us!"

It evokes my post from yesterday that glamour can really begin at home with a small touch from a lovely gown to a beautiful painting or print.

Here are a few favorite pieces:

Dancer 1 with heart, Etsy, $35

Deutsche Vogue Cover, Etsy, $75

French Champagne, Etsy, $35

I was fortunate enough to receive a print from Cate along with the paintings that I had ordered (does it look familiar :)? )  I was blown away by the quality of the print.  It is a professional archival Glicee print on BFK Rives paper.  The colors are extremely vibrant and the lines distinct.

I placed the print next to a small watercolor painting - while the shading is more nuanced in the original painting, the colors are even more striking on the print.  This is a definitely a chic 'n cheap way to infuse color into your home!

Stay tuned for a giveaway soon featuring Cate's work!

Fun Finds/{Etsy}: Wearing spring via a planter pendant

Is spring not apparent in your area?  Why not carry spring with you via this wearable planter.

Wearable planter no. 1, translucent by Colleen Jordan, Etsy, $30

This custom designed planter hangs from your neck and allows you to carry a small succulent, sprout, or flower in the small container.

Funky. Brilliant. Fun.  

Fun Finds {Etsy}: Lace embossed leather iPhone case

Who says technology can't be unabashedly feminine and fun?

Leather case for iPhone in cream embossed lace, Etsy - Tovi Corrie, $50

I think I'm totally getting this when I make the iPhone leap.

LOTC: Top High Street/Mass Market retailers for Chic Wedding gowns in your budget

High street stores now have a great selection for brides Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC).  If you're looking for a silk gown, head to your mass retailer first.  They have really done a great job of creating light colored silk gowns with great draping, flattering cuts, and sometimes even a little additional embroidered or beaded detail.

If you're looking for more embellishment or specialty material (e.g. I wanted alencon lace which retails for $150/yard), head to sample sales, vintage sites, and trunk sales for wedding gown designers.  You will not find silk glass chiffon, French lace or other materials at these retailers simply because the materials are too costly.  But you will find simple, chic, and fashion forward gowns that may be a great option for you or your friends (p.s. and check out the upcoming Vera Wang for David's Bridal collection too.)  You will also likely find these dresses for a price lower than the one I've posted because all these retailers have sales!

1. The Limited makes cute clothing with just a little feminine edge.  I believe blogger buddy Los Angeles Love tried this gown too.  The cascading silk tendrils are too fun and I can totally see something like this for my original vineyard wedding.

$298 (though I've also seen it on sale for $178) here

2. J. Crew has been a creative force that has evolved to include some chic options like this simple white Sophia gown.

On sale for $250 here

3. eDressme has a few inspired gowns that are truly gorgeous.  Beaded straps, dropped waist, and flowing silk come together beautifully in this elegant gown.

$578 here

4. BCBG pairs fanciful feather details and a lovely defined waist in this vintage inspired gown.

$219.20 here

5. Ann Taylor has a few silk gowns with great draping - the v-neck on this looks so flattering!

$295 here

6. White House Black Market also has simple striking styles with silk and tulle details 

$598 here

7. David's Bridal and Vera Wang seem to be at opposite ends of the bridal spectrum.  Not anymore with the launch of White by Vera Wang for David's Bridal launching Feb. 2011 (I'll post pictures when it comes out).  Prices range from $600 - $1400.

Price TBD, source

8. Nordstrom has a diverse selection of white gowns from known designers,  like this Lauren by Ralph Lauren Sheila sequin trim jersey dress.  This is such a cool and mod look for a wedding (seriously how comfortable would it be for dancing at the reception!)

$154 here

9. eBay and Etsy are also worthy mentions because they can either connect you with a seller/reseller with potentially great prices for designer gowns (I found Lazaro and my Monique Lhuillier alencon lace gown there) or with custom designers.  Etsy has a fantastic array of vintage sellers and designers (Amy Jo Tatum at Bridechic is one and her gowns are under $2000 for a CUSTOM gown!)  Read the seller's ratings carefully and be careful of fakes!

Yolanda $1995 here

What do you think of wedding gowns from high street retailers?

Fun Finds/{Wedding Look}: Photo, word puzzle guest books

Thanks to Josie for introducing me to Bella Puzzles.  They are the coolest guest book and real-life decor idea I've seen in a while (and if the bride and groom don't get it, wouldn't it be a great gift for them!)
I especially love how you can insert custom photos, words, and fun puzzle shapes.

What a great idea for your wedding guest to commemorate being a "piece" of your life.

Custom puzzle, 12" x 18", 80 pieces, $240 here

Custom puzzle, 14" x 18", 90 pieces, $240 here

Insert custom words,

have cool shapes,

and ask your loved ones to sign!

What kind of design do you like most?

Chic 'n Cheap Living Contest: Birdcage veil from One Little Dove (North America only)

The vintage look is so in and boy, am I happy about it!  But I do hope that birdcage veils are deemed timeless and classic rather than just a vintage accessory.

I met Melanie of One Little Dove in the beginning of my bridal blogging days.  She's a sweet and sassy fellow New Yorker that's working, launching a new business, and planning her wedding.  Can we say Superwoman?  She launched One Little Dove after she made a veil for her best friend's wedding and discovered her talent for this lovely bridal accessory. 

Check out the other goodies in her shop and say hi to her here:
twitter - http://twitter.com/onelittledove
facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/one-little-dove/221477045467
blog - http://onelittledove.wordpress.com

One of you lucky readers has a chance to win her bestselling modern classic voluminous birdcage veil in ANY COLOR.  Oh the possibilities - rose pink, turquoise, dusty silver - SO cool!

It's the last in my series of Bloggy Birthday giveaways lovelies!

Image from here

I've partnered with some pretty awesome vendors to bring you some coolio gifts.  Melanie is getting married soon so this contest only lasts one week!

Deal alert

Everyone wins with a 10% discount before shipping!  Just convo One Little Dove and mention "Chic 'n Cheap Living reader discount"

This is for the Chic 'n Cheap Living family (aka blog followers - Blogger, Google or other Reader, BlogLovin) only because you rock!  New followers are always welcome too of course.

To enter, tell me your favorite item in One Little Dove's shop or what you'd like to see her make more of and how you follow (if we're blogger bffs already no need to say this, you know who you are).

If you win, please respond to me within 3 days.  I would hate to redraw a winner.

Note: Please WRITE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH EXTRA ENTRY, it will make the cross-referencing a little easier (esp. for people with different handles on different accounts).

Extra entries:
1. Become a Twitter Follower AND tweet about this contest with this line: "Enter to win a birdcage veil form @onelittledove and @cncliving http://bit.ly/9eLYLi"
2. Become a Facebook Fan - for my friends who love to keep up via Facebook! (If you already do this, please remind me!)
3. Become One Little Dove's Facebook fan here
4. Become One Little Dove's Twitter follower here
5. Blog about the contest/sidebar w/a picture on your page linking back here.

I'll leave this contest up until Thursday, May 13th, 11:59 pm PST.   This is open to North American readers only (sorry folks else where, you know I still ♥ you!)

Good luck

Celebrating love every day with some whimsical apparel

It's either spring, hope, or my own love for random things that makes me want to proclaim love proudly...and I just like whimsical hearts. ♥

I'm in my first proper apartment with my husband and am busy furnishing it.

I'm going to see dear friends and family in a few weeks.

I'm going to go shopping at Takashimaya and hopefully score some deals.

I'm going to have some good NYC pizza.

Of course I want to celebrate love!

I can do this by...
Wearing my heart for all to see. 

28 pounds via Urban Outfitters - totally waiting for this to go on sale, love it

Showing some Twilight love...

$26 here

Having a secret message inscribed on my slip (thanks Micaela for the tip!)

 

$24.50 here 

Showing everyone that Love is the boss

 

$24.50 here

Showing "geometry, drama, heartache"...because a heart is a complicated thing

$40 here